10.8 miles to Twin Lakes and then Leadville, 10,200’
Today was a big day. We started out the morning with a gentle 3.2 mile hike to the start of the climb to Hope Pass. We got to the junction at 9 am and immediately saw that the trail was going straight up. Studying the map the night before, we could see that the next 2.4 miles would average over 19% grade! This was the most intense section of trail we had encountered but we were treated to spectacular views. Fall was in the air and the aspen trees were changing color right before our eyes.
The final switchbacks were along a trail not much wider than our footprints and with the mountainside falling off steeply to the south. Combined with the strong wind and lightheadedness it could be disorienting if one moved too quickly. Around noon we had ascended the 2,427 feet to Hope Pass at 12,508 feet. It was beautiful at the top with a view to the south where we came from and north to the valley containing Twin Lakes. We had cell reception and so we checked in with family and also confirmed our lodging reservation in Leadville for that night.
We spent about 45 min on the pass and then it was time to go down. As usual, the trail was steep with loose rocks. One had to be very careful with each step. We got down to the valley in about 3 hours followed by a mile and a half further to the highway about ½ mile west of Twin Lakes.
Once at the road, we held out our sign and caught a hitch all the way to Leadville. At the hotel we showered, put on our least stinky clothes and then it was time for town food! The Rodeway Inn was over a mile from the old business district so we walked … what’s another mile or so now? We found High Mountain Pies and we devoured a large and really awesome pizza along with a couple beers. Then we walked to the historic Silver Dollar Saloon for a nightcap before walking back to the hotel. It was a great day!
Journeys with Jeff and Ellen 